How to Cancel Qatar Residence Visa and Process Exit Permit

Are you leaving Qatar for good? If you are a Residence Permit holder, it is very important for you to cancel your residency status and close all your existing accounts before leaving. You also will be advised to pay off fines or debts you may have during your stay in the country.

Ensuring that everything is cleared before leaving the country will spare you from further delays and having a bad record on the immigration system.

Based on Article 7 of Law No.21 of 2015, the law states that “The Foreign National laborer or the Recruiter must notify the Competent Authorities each time the Foreign National leaves the country, prior to his leaving by at least three days.”

This means that expats, workers or employees need to ask permission from their ‘recruiter’ (employer, head of household, or host who recruits them) before leaving the country. Once permitted, you need to process the cancellation of visa or as what they have in Qatar, an Exit Permit.

Process of Exit Permit

When leaving Qatar, all expats are required to obtain an exit permit. You have to note that the sponsor is responsible for arranging the exit permit of employees or family members that were sponsored in going to Qatar.

If you have access, you may complete the application online through MOI website, MOI self-service machine, or you may personally submit the application at the General Directorate for Borders Passports and Expatriates Affairs or at the immigration offices located near your area.

The cost for the single exit permit issuance shall be QR10. It is registered internally and you won’t be provided a copy, so it is advised that you have it photocopied or take a screenshot of the approved application.